Written by Cory Levine, Life Insurance Expert ✅
Founder of The Life Insurance Professionals · Licensed since 2018 · Boca Raton, FL, serving families nationwide
Editorial disclosure
This article was written by Cory Levine, a licensed independent life insurance agent, for general education. It is not financial, tax or legal advice. Cory may earn a commission if you buy a policy through him, and that never changes what he recommends. Rates, benefits and availability vary by company, state and underwriting.
Helping families since 2018. Content follows our editorial standards to protect consumers.
View more about Cory ▾
Cory Levine is an independent life insurance agent in Boca Raton, Florida, serving families nationwide. After losing his wife in 2017 and raising his children on his own, he helps families compare term life with living benefits, indexed universal life, permanent coverage and annuities, with honesty and no pressure. Read Cory’s full bio
Usually, yes. Most people who are overweight can get life insurance, and many still qualify for standard rates. Insurance companies use height and weight charts to set your rate class, and your other health numbers matter just as much as the scale.
Term Life Quote
See your rate in 2 minutes
Step 1 of 4
Or call 561-542-8610
Weight is one of the most common reasons people worry about applying. But companies’ charts vary a lot, and the same height and weight can land in different rate classes at different companies.
You’re in good company. The CDC reports that 40.3% of U.S. adults had obesity (a BMI of 30 or higher) during August 2021 to August 2023.
Want to see your rate? Get a quote in about 2 minutes →
Why this matters for your family
I lost my wife in 2017 and have raised my children on my own since. I know what it means when a family loses a parent and a paycheck. A number on the scale shouldn’t be the reason your family goes unprotected.
How companies use height and weight
Each company has its own height and weight chart, sometimes called a build chart. Your height and weight place you in a range for each rate class, from the best class down to standard and beyond. Some companies are noticeably more lenient than others, especially for the standard class.
They also look at:
- Related conditions. Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and sleep apnea often matter as much as weight itself.
- Recent weight changes. Big recent gains or losses can raise questions.
- Weight-loss surgery. Many companies want to see your weight stable for a period of time after surgery.
- Weight-loss medications. Companies are still developing their approach to newer medications, and rules vary.
- Your age. Some charts allow a bit more weight at older ages.
How it affects your rate class
As a general guide (every company is different):
- Slightly over the best-class limit, otherwise healthy: You may still qualify for a good preferred or standard rate.
- Moderately overweight with healthy numbers: Standard rates are common.
- Significantly overweight, or with related conditions: Expect a higher rating, and shopping multiple companies becomes very important.
Losing even a few pounds before your exam can sometimes move you into a better class, especially if you’re near a chart limit.
Which type of coverage fits?
Term life insurance usually gives the most protection for the lowest cost while your family depends on your income. See term life insurance with living benefits and real prices for your 40s and your 50s.
Indexed universal life (IUL) can protect your family for life and build cash value that’s protected from market losses by a 0% floor. See how IUL works.
If traditional coverage isn’t available yet, simplified or guaranteed-issue policies can fill the gap. Guaranteed-issue plans usually have a waiting period, so they’re best as a backup, not a first choice. Read Is guaranteed issue life insurance worth it?
6 ways to get a better rate
- Know your exact numbers. Measure your height and weight accurately before applying.
- Manage related conditions. Healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can offset a higher weight.
- Keep weight stable. Steady weight looks better than recent big swings.
- Time your exam smart. Morning, well rested, before a big meal.
- Be completely honest. Your exam and records will show your real numbers.
- Work with an independent agent. Companies’ charts differ, and the right one can save you real money.
Related reading: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and sleep apnea.
Find out which rate you’d likely qualify for, privately.
Take my 5-minute health check. I review it personally and tell you honestly where you stand before you apply anywhere. Nothing is shared without your OK.
Start my private health check → · See my rate in 2 minutes →
Frequently asked questions
Do insurance companies use BMI?
Many use height and weight charts that work much like BMI, but each company sets its own limits for each rate class.
Can I be denied for my weight?
It’s uncommon unless weight is very high or combined with serious related conditions. Most people get an offer, sometimes at a higher rate.
If I lose weight later, can my rate go down?
Some companies will reconsider your rate after you’ve kept the weight off for a while. Ask before you buy whether your policy allows it.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not always. No-exam options exist, but if your other numbers are good, an exam can sometimes earn you a better price.
How much life insurance does my family need?
The free life insurance calculator gives you a starting number in about two minutes.
Find out what you qualify for, before you apply
Tell me about your height, weight and health privately, and I’ll tell you honestly where you likely stand before you apply anywhere. No pressure, no dozen applications.
📅 Schedule a free, no-obligation call with Cory →
Prefer to talk now? Call 561-542-8610.
This article is for general education only and isn’t medical, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rates, rate classes and living benefit availability depend on the insurance company, the policy, your state and your individual underwriting. Guaranteed-issue policies typically include a waiting period before the full death benefit is payable.
Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Obesity Prevalence in Adults, August 2021–August 2023.
The Life Insurance Professionals · Cory Levine · Life insurance in Boca Raton, FL, serving families nationwide
Free, no-pressure review
Is your family protected if something happens to you?
I’m Cory Levine, an independent agent and a widower raising my children. I know what the right policy means to a family. I compare top-rated companies, not just one, to find you honest options: coverage that protects your family, living benefits you can use while you’re alive, and income you can’t outlive.
See my rate in 2 minutes →Take the private health check → · Book a free 15-minute call →
Or call or text (561) 542-8610
About Cory Levine
Cory Levine is an independent life insurance agent and founder of The Life Insurance Professionals, based in Boca Raton, Florida and serving families nationwide. Licensed since 2018, he has helped hundreds of families protect what matters most. After losing his wife in 2017 and raising his children on his own, he knows firsthand what the right coverage means to a family. Guided by his faith, Cory treats every family he helps as a responsibility, not a sale, with honesty, transparency and no pressure. He compares top-rated companies to find honest options: term life with living benefits, indexed universal life, permanent coverage, and annuities, including 401(k) rollovers and retirement income you can’t outlive. Florida License W526357.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
